Having learnt a lesson from the electoral backlash, the CPM has decided to finally address the decade-old issue of factionalism in its Kerala unit.

India Inc on Monday welcomed the focus on reviving economic growth to 9 per cent as also the indications for bold tax reforms, but expressed regret that the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) was raised and Security Transaction Tax (SAT) was let to continue.

The BJP and the Left parties on Monday criticised the Union Budget while the UPA’s former ally RJD said Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had ignored the needs of Bihar.